Freeze Clean

So yesterday I had an idea for a game to get the boys cleaning their room. They weren't too excited that they had to clean as part of the game, but they wanted to play so I would have to measure this one as a success! There was barely any "fighting" between them and no complaints throughout, it was bliss--at least for me. Here is how the game of "Freeze Clean" works. I went in the room and inspected what the mess was made of and made a list of items (i.e. clothes, star wars toys, marbles, action figures, cars, etc.) and then made points columns for each boy. To start off I would turn on the CD player (I had a baby Einstein classical music CD in with some "hyper" songs playing) and they had to clean while the music played. They cleaned in categories (helps them to stay focused and on task) and when the music was stopped they had to freeze. They would get one point for being the first to freeze and one point if they had been cleaning without complaining. Wouldn't you know it but the room was clean in about a half hour?! That is a miracle with those guys...they average about 2-3hours to clean up after themselves (when it should only take 15 minutes to throw everything back in the tubs they came from, but whatever.) I don't think this game will work every time, but I was super stoked it worked this time. The prize was simple: they got their stocking candy back (Andrew took it away when he found them in a pile of wrappers munching away to their hearts content at 5:30a.m. on Friday!)

All I have to say is hopefully this weather clears up soon! Our street is still a mess of snow ruts so I will be staying home again today (not worth the effort to get out!) I have a serious case of cabin fever...